We spotted polar bears on day three: not just one or two but about a dozen of the magnificent snow-white beasts on solo treks along the edge of the treeless tundra.

These sightings came as we sailed far north of the Arctic Circle on a two-week Adventure Canada cruise following the fabled route of the Northwest Passage. It was early September, the ideal time for Arctic cruising, with plenty of sunlight and (usually) lots of open water. Temperatures averaged 5 to 10 degrees above freezing.Continue reading “Cruising the Arctic: The Northwest Passage and Greenland” »

Located in the Netherlands, Leiden is called Little Amsterdam because of the 17 miles of canals that run through it. Located 12 miles from the Hague and seven miles from the North Sea, tourists are drawn to the city’s cultural landmarks and the beauty of its historic center.

The old border city of Ventimiglia is a destination for shoppers on the Italian Riviera, but it’s also a harsh setting for migrants

by André Gayot

Ventimiglia, a dismal Italy-France border little town, rarely makes it to the front page of the newspapers. Still, this Italian destination attracts huge crowds each Friday to its colorful seaside market, crumbling under a mont of charcuterie on top of which reigns the tasty San Daniele ham, above salamis, cheeses, pastas of all description, fruits, vegetables, garments, hand bags and shoes.Continue reading “Unwanted!” »